NBA

3 NBA DraftKings Value Plays to Target on 12/21/17

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Lauri Markkanen, PF, Chicago Bulls

DraftKings Salary: $5,000

Lauri Markkanen disappointed last night in his second game back, but the blowout nature of the game allowed the Chicago Bulls to limit the minutes of their starters on the front end of a back-to-back set. With Chicago not playing again until Saturday, expect to see the starters play their full allotment of minutes tonight, assuming this game remains competitive.

If Markkanen sees his usual 25 to 30 minutes, he should have no problem paying off his salary. He needs 25 DraftKings points to reach value (5 points per every $1,000 in salary), a number he has reached in all but five of his games as a starter.

A matchup against a Cleveland Cavaliers should help. The Cavs are ranked 28th in defensive efficiency and are allowing a league-high 12 made three-pointers per game, giving Markkanen a good opportunity to bounce back. In two previous meetings with Cleveland, Markkanen has averaged 30.6 DraftKings points, and he is worth a look in all formats at this price.